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<\/figure>\n The Los Angeles Lakers are getting into a essential time of their schedule after the All-Star break. With simply 23 video games remaining within the common season, the Lakers are 5 video games below .500 (27-32) and have a seven-game stretch the place they\u2019ll play all Western Conference foes, beginning with the Golden State Warriors, Thursday night time. First-year head coach Darvin Ham spoke on Wednesday in regards to the group\u2019s objective and what they\u2019re striving for on this stretch run.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, the goal is for us to come out and try to be the best version of ourselves each game, but definitely, if we can go and secure a spot, that is our goal right there,\u201d Ham mentioned<\/a><\/span>. \u201cIf we fall into a play-in situation, so be it. But our No. 1 goal is to go secure a spot [and] not just throw games off here or there [and] just wish for a play-in. We want to go secure a spot.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Over the following seven video games, L.A. will play Golden State twice, Dallas, Memphis twice, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota. All these groups are at the moment forward of the Lakers within the standings. Right now, Los Angeles is two video games out of the final play-in spot occupied by the Thunder. The Lakers and Thunder sq. off on March 1 in OKC, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a><\/span> is on the lookout for some payback on LeBron James<\/a><\/span> after he blocked his dunk try within the All-Star sport. <\/p>\n\n